A solo challenge to celebrate UAE history in the Emirate of Dubai.
100km. It’s difficult to even just mention them. I still remember when, about a year ago, I gave myself the goal to run a marathon in the desert within two to three years and at least one ultra-marathon of 50km, after finishing a 15km in the desert around Al Maha, inside a National Park. Less than six months ago instead, I met Max Calderan, founder of the Desert Academy. And today I have under my belt: a marathon in the desert (a few days after our meeting and with no planning), several training sessions in the desert of the Rub Al Khali, 50km solo run at night with a 10kg backpack leading up to this 100km run.
It was a challenge Max gave me after the first 42km in the desert; the “Big Jump” he called it. First the marathon, then 50, then 70, then 80 — NO
Let’s shoot for 100 right away, by the end of the year. You can do it. You must do it.
So the preparation started; not just training, but also nutrition, advices, tips to reduce thirst, hunger and sleep deprivation (needed for such a long race). We looked for the right itinerary and the right date.
In the beginning, we thought of the Rub Al Khali (the second largest sand desert in the world), where many training sessions were staged. We thought about running the distance in the middle of November, as soon as temperatures became easier, at least for this first attempt. In July, I trained for 40km with temperatures as high as 52 degrees, but 100km is a different story – it’s a lot of kilometres.
Then a series of meeting and situations shaped the idea into a project: running 100km for the 44th UAE National Day. December 2nd marks the celebration of the unification of the seven emirates in 1971, a date which allows the UAE to think about its past, present and future and commemorates their rich heritage, civilization and perseverance in all sectors.
The Meydan Hotel and Hospitality group assisted us by offering logistic support at the start and finish. We decided to start on the 1st of December at midday from the Meydan Hotel and Racecourse, the prestigious location that also hosts the annual Dubai World Cup. Arrival was expected on the following day, December 2nd – National Day, at the Bab Al Shams, after 20-24 hours. Both Max and I liked the course: from the present (hotel, facilities, city) to the origins (desert), to celebrate where it all began. It gave me also chance to explore some different locations in Dubai along the way.
Days go by and the moment arrives. A few pictures, then I’m on my way: it’s 12 o’clock sharp. I decided to leave in the warmest hours: this way the hardest part will be tackled while still full of energy. And, in fact, the beginning was the hardest, especially for the motivation: leaving the city means crossing streets and highways, not the greatest landscape at times. Within 10-15km the road begins to be surrounded by sand. It’s getting more difficult for the articulations in a way, especially on long distances. The first few hours were the hottest, so it became essential to manage the energy expenditure and prevent dehydration and early tiredness. Kilometres go by, slowly. More and more sand… less asphalt. After approximately eight hours I am halfway. Only 2l of water, some dates and a couple of refilling along the route. Better than I expected.
The 50-km mark is at Inflight Dubai where we planned a rest stop. Some food, water and rest for the muscles, the articulations and the mind. After resting a bit, I wear my night gear, I leave again.
The break helped. I breeze through the next 10 kilometres to the next checkpoint (the night is the most critical moment, therefore checkpoints are set every hour or 10km; I also have car support now). In less than 55 minutes, I am now well into the Al Lisaili area. A quick stop and off I go again. Ten more kilometres go by quickly… I am now at 70 km; I can’t believe it! I am starting to feel tired.
It’s a better landscape compared to the city, but it’s dark, and I can’t see anything but the rare headlights of a few cars stopping to see if I need help. There are a lot of horse-riding schools around here, and I can hear the horses neighing. It’s really dark and the road seems to go forever. The moon helped in not having to use a light but my rhythm is slowing down and I am getting tired.
With effort, I make it to the Al Qudra roundabout, where I bend towards the desert and then down to Bab al Shams, the final destination. Seventeen hours and 40 minutes have gone by, and I am 10 kilometres to the end. I am elated. I will be arriving sooner than expected.
But the last 10 kilometres are endless. A long file of lights that are now off due to the hour of the day is separating me from the end. Sometimes I stop for a few minutes leaning on a palm tree or a rock to rest my legs and back, even just for a few seconds. I am not cramping, but my back hurts everywhere. When the end is in sight, you always try to run, but my mind is not letting me as I am not sure how far I really am. I continue walking for a few hundred metres, and I stop again briefly. And the time goes by; I am at 20 hours.
I have no points of reference. I don’t know how far I am. But suddenly a car driven by Willem Duplooy, sports and recreation manager of the resort, who had come looking for me, arrived and honking, reached me and screamed “ You almost made it, don’t give up!”
My mind gave me the signal, and I began running again for the last 2-3 kilometres. The roundabout, the side street, the entrance to the resort, the security man that welcomes me and asks if I am the man running from the Meydan, the indications for loading and unloading… the final street is uphill, but I finally see the sign to the reception a few meters away. I made it – 100km; 20 hours and 10 minutes. I can’t help but cry.
I am in pieces. The next few hours went by with breakfast, spa, rest, lunch with friends. Everything seems surreal. I still haven’t realized that I really made it, but I start focusing in on some aspects of this feat, thanks to the questions I start getting (some of the people around me were sports professionals): I drank less than four litres of water; I didn’t struggle to stay awake, thanks to the micro-cycles at fairly regular intervals; hour after hour I regained my normal motor functions and, although tired, I can almost walk effortlessly. I have breakfast and lunch regularly without too many metabolic problems.
I spent the afternoon at the Bab Al Shams that has organized a small celebration. I wear my running gear again and re-run the last kilometre for the official ribbon cutting. Incredibly, I feel almost no pain and I can still run up and down the dunes around the resort. One hundred metres to the end, I hear the speakers announcing my arrival, and I hear people clapping — a nice feeling for a non-professional athlete. I felt emotional when Willem presented me and gave me the UAE flag – My first flag on the arrival. I felt like a professional athlete..
I would like to thank all those who have been close to me before, during and after the event, including the Meydan group and the Bab Al Shams resort for the logistical support and the celebration; Renia for videos and pictures during the competition, and of course Max Calderan and the Desert Academy. It’s true I was a solo runner for 100 km, but it wouldn’t have been possible without him. Just a few months ago, my goal was to run 42 km in the desert within two years…
Keep calm and stay tuned for next challenge!
Words by: Nico de Corato
Photos by: DubaiBlog and Desert Academy
